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Caring for your baby who has nausea and vomiting
Here are some tips for caring for newborns and babies younger than 1 year of age who have nausea and vomiting.
- Don't let your baby get dehydrated.
Don't wait until you see signs of dehydration in your baby. These signs include having fewer or no wet diapers and a dry mouth and dry eyes (fewer tears than usual).
- If you breastfeed your baby, nurse him or her more often. Offer each breast to your baby for 1 to 2 minutes every 10 minutes.
- If you use a bottle to feed your baby, increase the number of feedings to make up for lost fluids. The amount of extra fluid your baby needs depends on your baby's age and size. For example, a newborn may need as little as 1 fl oz (30 mL) at each extra feeding. A 12-month-old baby may need as much as 3 fl oz (90 mL) at each extra feeding.
- Ask your doctor if you need to use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) if your baby still isn't getting enough fluids from formula or the breast. The amount of ORS your baby needs depends on your baby's age and size. You can give the ORS in a dropper, a spoon, or a bottle.
- If your baby has started eating cereal, you may replace lost fluids with cereal. You also may feed your baby strained bananas and mashed potatoes if he or she has had these foods before.
Nausea and vomiting: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Feeling thirstier than usual.
- You have new or worsening belly pain.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have ongoing nausea and vomiting.
- Your vomiting is getting worse.
- Your vomiting lasts longer than 2 days.
- You are not getting better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.